waterloop

Religion is a very prevalent part of life in New Orleans and southern Louisiana, leading conservation organizations to build relationships with local faith leaders and to educate them on environmental issues. Faith leaders often believe that as God’s creation it is important to be stewards of nature and they carry this message to their congregations. The role of the faith community in conservation is discussed in this episode by Helen Rose Patterson, Senior Outreach Coordinator for the Gulf Program at the National Wildlife Federation, and Cory Sparks, Assistant Pastor at Bethany United Methodist Church in New Orleans. Helen Rose and Cory talk about field trips to see coastal problems and projects, training in advocacy for faith leaders, and the impact they have by writing op-eds, speaking at public meetings, and talking to elected officials. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​

A plan to route an oil pipeline through predominantly black neighborhoods in Memphis is an example of how minority communities across the country are overburdened by pollution and subjected to environmental racism, say Chandra Taylor, Senior Attorney and Leader of the Environmental Justice Initiative at the Southern Environmental Law Center, and Marquita Bradshaw, Executive Director of Sowing Justice. They discuss how the cumulative impacts of pollution in communities like southwest Memphis must be considered when proposals such as the pipeline arise. Chandra and Marquita explain how to respond to projects that pose a pollution and public health threat to a community, including the critical need for grassroots mobilization and exploration of all options at the local, state, and federal levels. See all podcasts at waterloop.org waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com​​​

In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, cutting-edge technology is powering the practice of precision conservation, the use of advanced data and imagery for efficient decision making in environmental management. Tools like aerial imagery, LiDAR elevation data, spatial analysis, geomorphology, and machine learning are helping projects to achieve greater impact on the ground. In this episode, Emily Mills, Geospatial Technology Manager, and Adrienne Gemberling, Senior Project Manager, of the Chesapeake Conservancy discuss how the organization has heavily invested in this technology, hired a large and skilled staff, and created the Conservation Innovation Center. Emily and Adrienne talk about the power of the tools, providing information for partners in conservation, and examples of projects to improve stream health in Pennsylvania. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​

For five generations Paul Bruchez’s family has ranched in Colorado, giving him an intimate understanding of water and the Colorado River. As climate change and development strain water resources to the breaking point, agriculture is facing tremendous pressure, pushing to improve water conservation, and collaborating with other stakeholders to find solutions. In this episode with Paul, an owner of the Reeder Creek Ranch and a fly-fishing guide, he discusses demand management and remote sensing projects, the role of agriculture in carbon sequestration, and restoring habitat for fish. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​

During last decade’s severe drought the State of California passed the Open and Transparent Water Data Act in recognition of the critical role of data in water management. That led to the formation of the California Water Data Consortium, a nonprofit that works with the state, local water agencies, farmers, NGOs, and others to improve organization, access, and use of data. In this episode Tara Moran, President and CEO of the California Water Data Consortium, discusses the progress and pilot projects involving lidar, groundwater, urban water, and agriculture. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com​

The greatest challenge facing the ocean is climate change, which is raising water temperatures, altering chemistry, and shifting major currents. But simultaneously there are opportunities to make progress in ocean health through changes to U.S. policy, particularly in the areas of energy, aquaculture, protected areas, and natural solutions, as explained in this episode with Eric Schwaab, Senior Vice President of Oceans and Ecosystems at the Environmental Defense Fund. Eric also discusses ways that addressing climate change can benefit ocean health and vice versa - how caring for the ocean can actually help mitigate climate change. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com

Four dams on the Snake River in Washington State have pushed salmon to the brink of extinction, threatening not just the species but the broader ecosystem, the culture of Native American tribes, and the region’s economy. This crisis led the Snake to be named America’s Most Endangered River in 2021 by American Rivers as explained in this episode by Amy Souers Kober, Vice President of Communications for American Rivers, and Lisa McClane, a consultant for American Rivers. Amy and Lisa discuss a proposal to save the Snake River by Congressman Mike Simpson that would remove the dams, recover salmon populations, provide irrigation for local agriculture, and invest in clean energy. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com.

For the Colorado River to have a sustainable future, it’s vital to understand its past and present. Blood of the West is an in-development documentary series about the Colorado River that will take viewers on a journey from headwaters to delta and explore the history of the river. In this episode with J.R. Robinson, director of Blood of the West, he explains how his adventures in the basin inspired him to launch the film project. J.R. shares a detailed look at the places and moments that stand out in the history of the Colorado River and that offer lessons for management going forward. Learn more about the project and how to help the film be produced at bloodofthewest.com waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​.

The Salton Sea is a unique waterbody that has suffered from high salinity levels, agricultural runoff, and water consumption by cities in Southern California, pushing the ecosystem to the brink and threatening the health of surrounding communities. Efforts to help the Salton Sea include expanded resources from the state, wetland restoration projects, and controlling toxic dust, as discussed in this episode with Frank Ruiz, Salton Sea Program Director for Audubon California. Frank also talks about the need to increase collaboration across stakeholders, give a voice to the poor communities around the Salton Sea, and educate young Latinos about environmental issues. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​.

Water drainage is critical for farms in the Midwest. But farmers don’t usually receive comprehensive and unbiased information about water management and drainage solutions, and have to focus on short-term costs instead of long-term equity. Taking a holistic and objective approach can improve farms and water quality, as explained in this episode with Quint Shambaugh, Co-Founder of DIGS Associates. Quint discusses the opportunities to address agricultural drainage across a watershed, bring farms together on projects, reduce nutrient pollution, and help the health of local waterways and the Mississippi River. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​.

Proper attention was not paid to sustainability of water resources as the U.S. developed and expanded across the continent over the past few centuries, not only straining water availability for people but for nature itself. There are ways to move from scarcity to sustainability, however, through cooperative relationships, deliberate decision making, and urgent conservation. In this episode Brian Richter, President of Sustainable Waters and previously Director of the Global Water Program of The Nature Conservancy, discusses his experiences working on water projects in more than 30 countries, what the U.S. can learn from other parts of the world, the need to accelerate change, and teaching the next generation of water leaders. See all podcasts at waterloop.org waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​.

Many lakes around the country suffer from poor water quality in the same way as Greenfield Lake in Wilmington, N.C. - stormwater runoff into the lake from hard surfaces like roads, parking lots, and buildings causes nutrient pollution, algae growth, and even fish kills. But lakes can go from green to clean through a combination of science, partnerships, and measures to reduce runoff. The effort to restore Greenfield Lake is discussed in this episode with Mike Mallin, a Research Professor at the Center for Marine Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington; Dana Sargeant, Executive Director of Cape Fear River Watch; and Fred Royal, Stormwater Services Manager with the City of Wilmington. They explain how universities, local government, a nonprofit, and an engineering firm are collaborating to target the sources of pollution and clean up a lake that is a community amenity and ecological gem. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com.

Crews in The Ocean Race, the iconic around-the-world sailing competition, have noticed changes in the water such as more trash and less marine life. But increasingly sailors and organizers are steering toward sustainability, including by gathering scientific data at sea and making changes to the event’s footprint. In this episode Anne-Cecile Turner, Sustainability Director for The Ocean Race, and Simon Fisher, Co-Skipper of the 11th Hour Racing Team, discuss efforts in mapping microplastics, involving more boats in science, and sailors serving as advocates for the ocean. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​

Communities of color and low-income suffer disproportionately from polluted water and delivering environmental justice in these situations is essential for achieving broader equity in society. This is reflected in the fight against waste from concentrated animal feeding operations, fossil fuel pipelines, and contaminated drinking water in North Carolina, as discussed in this episode with Jovita Lee, Senior Environmental Justice Campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity. Jovita explains how these situations in North Carolina reflect challenges facing communities of color around the country and that there are opportunities to ensure cleaner water through regulations and permitting. She also talks about the need to focus resources on the organizations that have championed environmental justice for decades. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​

The U.S. coast is unprepared for the increasing impacts of storms and sea level rise on communities, infrastructure, the economy, and the environment itself. Comprehensive changes in leadership, policies, programs, and funding could create a more resilience coastline. In this episode Jeff Peterson discusses his book A New Coast, which offers strategies for responding to devastating storms and rising seas. Jeff outlines needed changes, including to flood insurance and disaster programs, assistance to states and municipalities, and investment in preparedness rather than response. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com​​​​​​​​​ waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​

In the Mississippi Delta there is no bigger force on the economy and the environment than agriculture, with its tens of millions of acres of farmland that both feeds a nation and impacts water quality. In Arkansas programs can help both if they arise from collaboration and provide benefits for farms and conservation, as discussed in this episode with Jason Milks, Delta Projects Manager for The Nature Conservancy of Arkansas. He talks about a variety of success stories including the Wetlands Reserve Program, White River Wildlife Refuge, and controlling runoff from unpaved roads. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com​​​​​​​ waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​

Although New Mexico receives far less attention than many other western states, it is at the precipice of a water crisis, with climate change further straining the arid state and groundwater impacted by the oil and gas industry. The situation is discussed in this episode with Laura Paskus, author of At the Precipice: New Mexico’s Changing Climate, a reporter for New Mexico in Focus, and board member of the Society of Environmental Journalists. Laura explains the status of the Rio Grande River, importance of tribal input into water decisions, efforts to better control groundwater use, and the increasing diversity of voices at the table. She also talks about the public’s appetite for water stories and need for journalists to write in a compelling and engaging style. waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com​​​​​​​ waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​